# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity and Revival of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, dormant since 1399, and affirming its commitment to modern service founded upon nearly a millennium of English history and tradition.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection following the second anniversary of its formal recognition, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to commemorate the Barony’s unique historical trajectory. This moment serves to bridge the centuries of abeyance, from the close of the Plantagenet era to the digital age of the 21st century.
The re-establishment is not merely a legal or heraldic event; it is a conscious act of historical stewardship. It represents a solemn undertaking to ensure that the Barony, once a seat of feudal power in Lincolnshire, now serves as a platform for cultural preservation, philanthropic endeavour, and the promotion of civic duty, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of considerable regional influence and national importance.
Over the succeeding three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated commander of the Hundred Years' War, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The Barony fell into dormancy in 1399 when its honours merged with the Crown upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV. It remained in abeyance for 623 years, a silent witness to the Reformation, the Civil War, the rise of Empire, and two World Wars, until its formal re-establishment in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is today embodied by its current leadership. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
They are joined in their duties by the heir, their nephew Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of a modern noble house, dedicated to honouring the distinguished company of their predecessors through contemporary service. The Barony's legacy is one of power wielded in defence of the realm and, now, of influence directed toward the betterment of civil society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony was formalised in accordance with modern British custom and law through its recognition in The London Gazette. Published on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, this entry in the official public record of the United Kingdom serves as the definitive instrument of its re-establishment.
The Gazette, first published in 1665 as the *Oxford Gazette*, is the oldest continuously published journal in the country and one of the oldest in the world. An announcement within its pages is the traditional method for officially recording matters of state, parliamentary acts, and armorial bearings, making it the appropriate and necessary venue for confirming the Barony’s revival. This protocol is the *sine qua non* for the public and historical validation of such ancient titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its heraldry. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the core values of resilience, integrity, and principled action that have defined the Barony's most notable holders. It is a guide for the House’s public and private conduct.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit — an understanding that true life is found in overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and making a decisive and positive impact on the world. Together, the mottos create a principled framework: honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of the Barony’s duty is centred on disciplined, impactful philanthropy. The House’s premier charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. This year, as in previous years, proceeds will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work delivers measurable, life-altering change through clinical intervention and long-term care, aligning perfectly with the House's focus on creating tangible social good. Furthermore, initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extend this philosophy into the cultural sphere, promoting etiquette and social graces as tools for personal development and professional success.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "We are not merely holders of a title; we are custodians of a near-thousand-year-old story written into the fabric of England. Our responsibility is to honour the fortitude of figures like Nichola de la Haye by demonstrating our own commitment to service, ensuring this ancient barony has a vibrant and purposeful future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action. It is about applying the lessons of the past to the challenges of today and contributing meaningfully to our communities in Lincolnshire, London, and beyond. That is how a legacy endures."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its philanthropic and cultural engagements. Plans are underway to expand the reach of the annual Winter Banquet, further increasing support for beneficiaries whose work provides critical aid to vulnerable communities.
The House will also continue to develop the curriculum and influence of The Brattleby Club, fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing young professionals with the skills of modern diplomacy. By dedicating itself to these causes, the House seeks to write a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby — one defined not by feudal privilege, but by a profound and unwavering commitment to public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern European noble house, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Rooted in the ancient English Barony of Brattleby, the House’s contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of etiquette as a tool for social cohesion. Through its annual Winter Banquet and initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is dedicated to upholding a legacy of service, responsibility, and historical stewardship in the 21st century. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over three centuries, it was held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. The Barony fell into abeyance in 1399 upon the accession of King Henry IV. After 623 years of dormancy, the title was revived, and its re-establishment was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England's most historic noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com